Compare The Best of India by SmarTours vs India Golden Triangle Tour by Odynovo

Day 1

Depart USA.

Your exotic India tour begins this afternoon as you depart on a non-stop wide-body jet flight bound for Delhi.

Day 2: Arrive Delhi

Meals: Dinner

Accommodation: The Park Hotel

Afternoon arrival in India’s bustling capital. You’ll be greeted at the airport and escorted to your upscale city-center hotel. Later this evening, your tour director hosts a welcome briefing followed by a short orientation walk to explore lively Connaught Place, located near your hotel! Later, enjoy a traditional welcome dinner with a cooking demonstration at an Indian home.

Day 3: Delhi

Meals: Breakfast

After a good night’s rest and a sumptuous breakfast, embark on a guided tour to introduce you to Delhi’s major attractions.  In exotic  Old Delhi you will view the Jama Masjid, India’s largest mosque.  Visit the memorial to Mahatma Gandhi and drive by the magnificent Red Fort, built in 1648 as a symbol of Mughal’s power. Then, walk through Chandni Chowk, one of the oldest and busiest markets in Old Delhi.  In New Delhi,  you will see the Birla Temple, the India Gate, the Parliament House and the Presidential Palace. Enjoy dinner on your own.

Day 4: Delhi

Meals: Breakfast and Lunch

After breakfast, proceed to visit Akshardham, the main building at the center of the complex is a 141-foot high monument to Bhagwan Swaminarayan. Designed according to ancient Vedic texts known as the Sthapatya-Shastra, it features a blend of architectural styles from across India. Within the monument, under the central dome, there is an 11-foot high, gilded image of Bhagwan Swaminarayan. He is surrounded by the gurus of the sect. The building itself is constructed entirely from Rajasthani pink sandstone and Italian Carrara marble, and features no stell or concrete. It’s height and location ont he banks of the Yamuna mean its presence is felt from afar, and its carved details of flora, fauna, dancers, musicians, and deities covering its surfaces from top to bottom, leave most visitors in awe. Also enjoy an exhibitions show with cultural boat ride. Afterwards, enjo a delicious lunch at a local restaurant before returning to your hotel.

Day 5: Delhi/Agra

Meals: Breakfast

Accommodation: Clarks Shiraz Hotel

After breakfast, depart for the fabled city of Agra, home of the legendary shrine built and dedicated to love – The Taj Mahal. After you arrive this afternoon, take a guided visit to Agra Fort, the original red stone fort built by Moghul Emperor Akbar in 1565. The fort’s maze of courtyards, it smarble mosque and lavish private chambers reflect the grandeur of the Mughal Empire. Also visit the tomb of Itmad-ud-Daulah “a jewel box in marble”. This mausoleum was built by the Empress Nur Jahan as a gesture of love for her father. The tomb is built of the finest Indian marble embellished with mosaics and beautiful inlay of work of semi previous stones. The central chamber contains the yellow marble tomb of Itmad-ud-Daulah and his wife. The tomb is painted with floral decorations and fine marble screens of geometric latticework suffuce the interior in a soft light. Return to your hotel later this afternoon.

Day 6: Taj Mahal Excursion

Meals: Breakfast

Agra is an ancient city that came into prominence in Medieval times under the Mughal rulers and was once the capital of a sprawling Mughal kingdom that covered much of southeast Asia. The highlight of this morning’s included tour is a guided visit to the fabled, perfectly proportioned, Taj Mahal considered the finest example of Mughal architecture. This 17th century, white marble mausoleum was built by Emperor Shah Jehan to enshrine the mortal remains of his Queen Mumtaz Mahal who died in childbirth. Building began around 1632 and took over twenty years to complete, employing thousands of artisans and craftsmen. As you get closer, you’ll see that the white marble surface is covered with floral patterns and beautiful calligraphy made of inlaid jasper. Even today the Taj Mahal remains one of the most breathtaking structures ever built. The balance of the day is free to explore on your own, shop or relax at your luxury hotel’s pool.

Day 7: Agra/Fatehphur Sikri/Ranthambore

Meals: Breakfast, Lunch and Dinner

Accommodation: Jungle Vilas

After breakfast depart Agra for Ranthambore, stopping en route to visit Fatehpur Sikri, once a glittering capital, later abandoned due to scarcity of water. Marvel at the well-preserved buildings and red sandstone palaces. Later, voyage by road to Jaipur, the “Pink City”, famous for its exquisite buildings built of rose-colored terracotta. Afterwards continue to Bharatpur railway station, stopping along the way for lunch, and then board the train for Ranthambore. Upon arrival in Ranthambore, one of the largest and most renowned national parks in Northern India, travel to your hotel. Enjoy some free time to explore the beautiful new surroundings and former hunting grounds of the Maharajas of Jaipur before dinner at the hotel.

Day 8: Ranthambore

Meals: Breakfast, Lunch and Dinner

Set out today on an early morning drive to the wildlife sanctuary at Ranthambore National Park. A local naturalist guide joins you in your vehicle as you begin your search for elusive tigers as well as hyenas, jackals, and foxes. The park is dotted with structures, including a huge hilltop fort that reminds visitors of a bygone era. Ranthambore National Park was declared a wildlife sanctuary in 1957 and in 1974 it gained the protection of “Project Tiger”. The park is truly a wildlife enthusiasts and photographer’s dream, most famous for its tigers and one of the best locations in India to see these majestic predators in their natural habitat.

Later, visit the Dhonk Village, which aims to provide a sustainable livelihood to people living near Ranthambore. Dhonk’s objective is to promote raw local talent and bring out the colors of Rajasthan for the consumer. Dhonk is a blend of ethnic and modern fashion giving the best of both worlds to the buyer. It is focused on achieving perfection steadily to bring maximum joy for its patrons. Enjoy lunch at the hotel, with time to relax before the evening safari which is sure to thrill all. Return to the lodge in time for dinner together.

Day 9: Ranthambore/Jaipur

Meals: Breakfast

Accommodation: Park Regis Jaipur

After breakfast, drive to Jaipur, the “Pink City”, famous for its exquisite buildings built of rose-colored terracotta. After you check into your upscale, conveniently-located hotel, join your guide for a walk to explore the colorful local bazaar. The balance of the day is at your leisure to continue exploring. You might consider watching Bollywood movie at a local theater! Park Regis Jaipur (B)

Day 10: Jaipur/Amber Fort/Jaipur

Meals: Breakfast

This morning venture out of the city to nearby Amber Fort, ancient capital of Rajasthan. You’ll ride up to the imposing hill where the fort is perched. A local expert will guide you through its magnificent ramparts & watchtowers commanding spectacular views of the surrounding mountains and the lake below. Visit the ornate chambers and hallways of the palace which are famous for their unique architecture and decoration. Return to Jaipur where the balance of the day is at leisure to explore as you wish. You may enjoy a rickshaw ride through the picturesque old town or join an optional visit to some of the city’s renowned pink sandstone buildings including the Palace of Winds and the City Palace Museum, housing a magnificent art collection of the Maharajas. Your guide can also arrange for you to attend a unique prayer ritual at a local Hindu temple. (B)

Day 11: Jaipur/Delhi

Meals: Breakfast and Dinner

This morning, attend a yoga session with a professional teacher. Later, enjoy free time for any last minute pursuits. Explore the markets and lanes of Jaipur where you can buy spices, unique local souvenirs or bargain for beautiful, hand-woven carpets. Later, return to Delhi where you’ll join your fellow travelers for a farewell dinner at a local restaurant. Following dinner, transfer to the airport for your late night flight.

Day 12: Delhi/USA.

Bid farewell to your incredible India tour. As you arrive the USA this morning,  your memorable travel to India ends .

Day 1 Arrival, Delhi

Overnight: Delhi
Upon your arrival at India Gandhi International Airport, meet a private representative and transfer to your hotel. A brief introduction of your India tour will be made on the way. The rest of the day is for you to recover from jetlag.

Day 2 Delhi

Overnight: Delhi
Meal: Breakfast
After breakfast, your tour in India starts with a visit to Jama Masjid in Old Delhi, one of the largest mosques in India. And then immerse yourself in local life aboard a rickshaw around the bustling Chandni Chowk. Take a glance at Red Fort en route to Qutub Minar which has five distinct storeys, each marked by a projecting balcony. Later, you will arrive at Gandhi Smriti, a memorial to Mahatma Gandhi - the Father of the Nation, followed by Humayun's Tomb. Enjoy a drive in your private car along with the famous city landmarks, including India Gate, President's House, Parliament House and Government Secretariat Buildings. You can stop to appreciate any site or take photos anywhere. The last spot of today is Laxmi Narayan Temple, the first large Hindu temple built in Delhi.

Day 3 Delhi - Agra

Overnight: Agra
Meal: Breakfast

Today, take a drive of 4.5 hours to Agra. Any stopover for a coffee break or taking photos is available en route at your request. Upon arrival, you will visit Mehtab Bagh (also called Moonlight Garden) and catch the first glance at the Taj Mahal.

Day 4 Agra

Overnight: Agra
Meal: Breakfast
You will visit the spectacular Taj Mahal in the morning to avoid crowds and the heat. Taj Mahal is an ivory-white marble mausoleum located on the south bank of the Yamuna River built by Shah Jahan, the fifth Mughal emperor of India, in memory of his favorite wife. The building is considered a memorial to love and it was declared a winner of the New 7 Wonders of the World initiative in 2007. Later, continue to discover Agra Fort, one of the finest Mughal forts in India, built of a kind of red sandstone. In the end, pay a visit to I'timād-ud-Daulah (Baby Taj).

Day 5 Agra - Jaipur

Overnight: Jaipur
Meal: Breakfast
Start a drive about 5 hours west to Jaipur this morning. On the way, pay a visit to Fatehpur Sikri - a fascinating ghost city built in the 16th century. After arriving in Jaipur, check-in and have a good rest.

Day 6 Jaipur

Overnight: Jaipur
Meal: Breakfast
After breakfast, you will head for Amber Fort with a jeep ride up to the entrance. The fort, built with red sandstone and white sandstone on a hill, is known for its artistic Hindu-style elements that are evident around palaces. Within, you will find Sheesh Mahal, also known as the Palace of Mirrors. On your way back to Jaipur city, stop at Nahargarh Fort with great views and the pink Hawa Mahal (Palace of the Winds) for photo opportunities. Continue to discover the Maharaja City Palace and Jantar Mantar. You will have a chance to glance at pink rose residential and business areas before returning to the hotel.

Day 7 Jaipur – Delhi, Departure

Meal: Breakfast
After check-out of your hotel, you will be transferred back to Delhi (4.5-5 hours). Upon arrival, our representative will escort you to the airport for your departure flight.